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on December 12, 2019 ·

The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide For Kids With Autism

Every year during the holidays, I am asked for gift suggestions for Michael.  I understand it can be difficult for friends and family to figure out what to get him.  I always work with my home therapist to pick out a good selection of functional toys or gifts that Michael would love to receive.  This year, I thought I would share my list with you in the hope that it’s helpful for other autism families or anyone looking for the perfect gift for an autistic child.  Honestly, most of these products would work great for neurotypical children as well.  All the products I have listed, I’ve tried to provide a variety by age, skill level or based on functional needs.  Some of these products I have spoken about in the past, but they are all worth sharing again.  Some of the products, even though they are advertised for toddlers, my son is still using today. 

Updated December 2022 – I added five new products that we purchased for Michael for this Christmas. I think any of theses toys and products would be a hit for your child!

This post may contain affiliate links, Joann Salas is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com 

Popkido Pop It Puzzle Hexagon Fidget Game Toy/Hexa Tetris Popper Puzzles/Push Bubble Hex Jigsaw/Montessori Educational Tangram IQ STEM Games/Stress Relief & Sensory Autism Toys for Kids – Michael has continually loved these pop it toys! I always try to keep a few on hand in the car, or when we go away. They really help him so much!

WikkiStix Sensory Fidget Toy, Arts and Crafts for Kids, Non-Toxic, Waxed Yarn, 6 inch, Reusable Molding and Sculpting Sticks, American, Assorted Colors, 24 Count (Pack of 1) – I happen to see these on Instagram and I thought Michael would really love to have these to fidget with. I like that they are small and portable making it easy to take with you.

Squishmallow Official Kellytoy Plush Sea Life Squad Squishy Soft Plush Toy Animals (Sachie The Whale Shark), 8 Inch – I was finally able to grab one of these before they sold out again. I just love that this one is a sea animal and its so soft and plushy. Michael loves to snuggle and I think this one is going to be a winner.

Mnagant Kids Play Tent-61”x61”x45”Imaginative Play Popup Tent Space World Tent for Kids Indoor / Outdoor Fun-Kids Galaxy Dome Tent Playhouse – We are trying a new Popup Tent this year for Michael. I think this one is going to give him enough space to snuggle with his Squishmallow while watching his Ipad.

Siluvia Body Pillow for Adults-Premium Adjustable Loft Quilted Body Pillows – Hypoallergenic Fluffy Pillow – Quality Plush Pillow – Down Alternative Pillow – This will definitely be a favorite for Michael, I am so sure he is going to love it! He usually keeps about 5 pillows in his bed, and throws them on top of him when he is sleeping. This one large body pillow is going to be a new one to add to his collection.

Pop Toys Elephant Whale Puppy Fidget Sensory Toy – Michael as well Alex have really been using these pop toys a lot! I have to admit I find them kind of relaxing myself. These are great for sensory seekers!

ArtCreativity Classic Pin Art Game Set  – Just recently, Michael has been using this and he seems to really love the way it feels on his hands and on the side of his face. Again, another great option for sensory seekers.

Busy Board, Montessori Toys Sensory Activity Developing Board for Fine Motor Skills – This sensory board provides not only practical life skills, but a way for your child to improve hand-eye coordination.

Sensory integration products – These products consist of fidgets, knobby balls, stretchy strings. These are products designed to reduce anxiety, stress, and regulate behaviors and emotions.

Pop Tubes – Another sensory fidget toy that Michael loves.  Like the stretchy strings, these tubes come in different bright colors and provide additional help with his coordination.

Activity Ball – Michael received this as a gift last year for Christmas and he is quite fond of it.  If he could bounce on this all day, he would.  I ended up getting another one for Alex; he enjoys it too!

Trampoline – We purchased a trampoline almost immediately when Michael’s Early Intervention OT told us how much he could benefit from the constant input of jumping.  She was so right; he loves that trampoline.  I can’t even tell you how many we have gone through, but this is the one thing we will never be without.  We even take it with us on vacations.  The one we have folds up for easy travel and storing.  Our home ABA therapist also uses it as a way for him to self-regulate during a break.

SANHO Premium Sensory Sock Body Sock – This is on our Christmas list for this year.  I can’t wait to see how Michael likes it.  I think it’s really going to help him to improve his ability to calm down on his own.  These come in a variety of sizes based on the child’s height.  According to SANHO, they recommend the sock being the height of the individual. 

Fat Brain Toys FA183-1 Suction Kupz Baby Toys & Gifts for Ages 1 to 2, Multicolor – These colorful cups with a suction bottom are great to use for sorting and color recognition.  You can also use these with different liquids or textures for sensory play.  Michael didn’t really care for them at first but, as we continued to use them in different ways, they proved to be helpful. 

Melissa & Doug Pets Jumbo Knob Wooden Puzzle – I must admit I’m a real fan of Melissa & Doug toys.  They have a huge variety of great toys and their puzzles are fantastic.  We used the puzzles with the knobs at the beginning of Michael’s ABA therapy.  He had no interest in doing it.  As we continued to use them, he slowly learned how to hold the knobs of each puzzle piece and place them where they belong.  He has now moved on to more detailed puzzles, both physically and on his tablet.  I am sure his skills developed from starting with this type of puzzle. 

LeapFrog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set, Yellow – This product was originally introduced to us by Michael’s speech therapist.  The pieces are magnetic so that you can place them on your refrigerator and each come with magnetic tiles featuring letters of the alphabet.  The Fridge phonics help promote letter recognition, letter names and sounds. 

hand2mind Plastic Scooter Board with Safety Handles for Physical Education Class or Home Use, Purple – Michael’s Occupational Therapist introduced this to Michael when he was about three years old.  We still have it today and both of my boys will use it.  This is great to help with balance and coordination. 

Liberty Imports Camouflage Military Pop-Up Play Tent – Collapsible Indoor/Outdoor Army Playhouse for Kid – Over the years, we have had a few different types of pop-up play tents.   Again, both of my boys enjoy getting in there, snuggling on a pillow and playing with their tablets.  For Michael, I think it provides a safe space for him to go to. 

Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition Tablet 2-Pack, 8″ HD Display, 32 GB, Kid-Proof Case – Blue/Pink – Michael and Alex have been using these tablets for several years.  Although, Alex has upgraded to a larger tablet, Michael has two of the 8” Fire tablets.  Like most little boys and girls, these tablets keep them occupied for hours.  In Michael’s case, we use them for everything.  This is the one thing we do not go anywhere without.  We keep both fully charged and they are helpful when we take long road trips, running errands, or just keeping them occupied on a rainy day. 

ZZZ Weighted Blankets Premium Kids Weighted Blanket – Child Kid Weights and Sizes (5-6.5 LB (36″ x 56″) – Another product on our Christmas list this year for Michael.  We have been going back and forth on getting one for Michael for a few years.  He doesn’t use any sheets, blankets or comforter on his bed while sleeping.  However, he has about 7 or 8 pillows, which he will place over him when he gets into bed.  Because of this, we decided to see if a weighted blanket would be a way for him to get the same cozy feeling from placing the pillows on top of him.  The idea of the weighted blankets is it provides a sense of calming pressure, relieving anxiety to help you sleep better.  And since we are talking about Michael and sleep, we are willing to try anything.  I’ll let you know how it works out. 

Woby Push and Go Friction Powered Car Toys Set Tractor Bulldozer Mixer Truck and Dumper for Baby Toddlers – Michael has become really interested in cars, trucks, anything with sounds of a motor and lights.  Another one on our list this year.  We are planning to work on more leisure-type activities and are hopeful that this will hold his interest. 

Toy Choi’s Kids Toy Tool Construction Set, 27 Pieces Toddler Boys Pretend Play Tool Kit in Sturdy Case – Another new toy on Santa’s list this year.  With Michael’s recent interest in my husband’s tools, specifically anything with a motor, again, we hope this will promote more pretend play. 

So, there you have it, my 2019 Christmas gift ideas for special needs children.  I hope there are a few items that you may think will work for your child or someone you know.  As an autism mom, I understand how you feel when family or friends ask you what to get your child and you’re not even sure yourself.  If you have any gift ideas or suggestions, I would love to hear about them in the comments below.

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Filed Under: Autism, Special Needs Parenting Tagged With: Autism, Christmas, gifts, kids, Sensory, Sensory Processing Disorder, special needs

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Comments

  1. Louise S says

    December 16, 2019 at 4:24 pm

    These are interesting. I have no clue on autism so reading about it is very interesting. It must be hard. If he doesn’t talk. I couldn’t imagine. I hope he gets to enjoy life as well as you too !! Thanks for sharing this

    • Joann says

      December 18, 2019 at 4:11 pm

      Hi Louise,
      Thank you Louise. It is difficult for Michael because he gets frustrated when he is unable to communicate his needs and wants. I get frustrated too when I’m not able to understand what he is telling me. Using his communication device can be helpful, but I’m hoping that one day Michael will be able to communicate without it.

  2. lisa mundy says

    December 18, 2019 at 9:44 pm

    Great ideas. Really useful

    • Joann says

      December 19, 2019 at 1:38 pm

      Thank you!

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lovealwaysjoann

Lovealways,Joann
"I Am Buzz Lightyear; I Come In Peace." And I am A "I Am Buzz Lightyear; I Come In Peace." And I am Alex, no where close to the word “Peace!” 😂 But I love him! Anyone else have a loud kid? #buzzlightyear #boymom #momlife #disneyfamily
I love shopping at Disney Springs! Is this a must I love shopping at Disney Springs! Is this a must do for you too? #disneysprings #disneymerch #disney #wdw
Happy Sunday friends! Last week we attended an aw Happy Sunday friends! Last week  we attended an award ceremony at Michael’s school.  He was nominated by his teacher and his other service providers to receive the title of his school’s hero award.  Michael was recognized for demonstrating the Play principles at his school.  I will share more about it in my last year end Youtube video on how Michael is doing in his new school.  We are so proud of the progress Michael has made this past year and I can’t wait to tell you all about it! Stay tuned! Have a good evening and a great week ahead! #autism #autismmom #autismfamily
We loved Disney’s All Star Movie Resort and we d We loved Disney’s All Star Movie Resort and we definitely would stay again! Hopefully soon! Have you stayed at any of the All Star Resorts? #disneyresorts #disneyallstarmovieresort #allstarmoviesresort #vacationmemories
It’s about 91° right now, I would have really It’s about 91° right now,  I would have really enjoyed this pool today! ☀️🔥☀️😀 #summervibes #allstarmoviesresort #disneyresort
It’s that time of the year when everyone is plan It’s that time of the year when everyone is planning their summer vacations and/or staycations! Last year, I started my Summer Vacation Postcard Exchange and I’m doing it again this year! I was thinking how cool it would be to see where all of you are headed to. ☀️🌴🏝️⛰️🏰🛳️🏕️
How it works: 
You send me a postcard from wherever you travel and I’ll send you one back from my summer vacation. 
This starts today, June 1st and runs through September 1st. 
Please see the link in my bio for all the information and where to send your postcard. 
Last year I received postcards from Florida, Colorado, Paris, just to name a few.  I’m looking forward to see where you travel to this year! Thank you in advance for participating! Happy travels! #summer #postcardexchange #postcards #happytravels #vacationpostcards #summer2023 #staycation
I’m having a few technical issues today uploadin I’m having a few technical issues today uploading my vlog to my YouTube channel.  I didn’t want to leave you hanging, so I thought I’d share a throwback picture of me holding on for my life, riding SDMT for the first time in 2019.  I hope to have the vlog up by later today or tomorrow morning.  Be sure to subscribe so you know when it’s live! #throwback #tuesdaymood
This afternoon we celebrated Alex and Michael’s This afternoon we celebrated Alex and Michael’s 11th birthday at Dave And Buster’s.  After the kids enjoyed cheeseburgers, fries and Mac & Cheese, they had fun playing all kinds of games! It was so nice to invite Michael’s friends again this year.  His friend Elise from his old school and a new friend Roscoe enjoyed being a part of the fun too! Michael really had fun on the motorcycle with his dad! We always encourage Michael to try everything.  We may have to make accommodations for him but it’s worth it to see that smile on his face! It was a great day! #birthdayparty #twins #autismmom #autismfamily #daveandbusters
Good morning ☀️ Happy Friday and Happy 11th Bi Good morning ☀️ Happy Friday and Happy 11th Birthday to my boys! Now Michael had school today but Alex is off so we’re off on our fishing adventure! Have a great day! #happybirthday #gonefishing #twinmom #twinmomlife
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I think it’s time to start planning another fam I think it’s time to start planning  another family trip! #magickingdom #wdw #disneymemories
Happy Friday friends! I hope you were able to catc Happy Friday friends! I hope you were able to catch my latest YouTube video.  This week I decided to make chicken tostadas with all the leftovers I had in my fridge and pantry.  They came delicious! If you haven’t had a chance to see it, I would love it if you could watch it when you have some time.  Also, please don’t forget to give it a thumbs up, comment and please consider subscribing if you haven’t already.  Thank you and enjoy the rest of your day! #chickentostadas #youtuber #easyrecipes #leftovers
Throwback to when I was able to pick a pearl at th Throwback to when I was able to pick a pearl at the Japan Pavilion at Epcot.  This was so much fun! I got two pearls and had them set in a ring. I will definitely do it again! Have you ever experienced the pick a pearl and did you get one or two pearls? #tbt #epcot #pickapearl #epcotworldshowcase #epcotjapanpavillion #wdw
Mother’s Day photo dump! #twinmomlife #autismmom Mother’s Day photo dump! #twinmomlife #autismmom #momlife #boymom #mothersday2023
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Speaking of Mother’s Day, yesterday I posted a new YouTube video about handing Mother’s Day after a loss.  I absolutely know what that experience is like and wanted to share some ways I have been getting through it. 
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Good afternoon friends. No video today, but late Good afternoon friends.  No video today,  but later this week watch for my new video when I talk about how to honor your mom on Mother’s Day after she passed away. I’m hoping by offering some tips  it helps you get through this difficult day. 🦋 #mothersday #mothersdaygrief #griefjourney #motherlessdaughters #grief
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